According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for hospitality professionals is expected to grow at a rate faster than average. Earning a master’s degree online in hospitality management is a great way to advance from mid-level management into an executive position in the industry while continuing to work and take care of family obligations.

Hospitality professionals are in a variety of settings including:

  • hotels
  • country clubs
  • stadiums
  • conference centers
  • restaurants
  • travel agencies
  • resorts

Master’s degree programs in hospitality cover coursework in:

  • finance
  • management
  • leadership
  • strategic planning
  • marketing

Due to the nature of the field, work hours and schedules are flexible and the job is fast-paced, even at the executive level. To be successful in the field, professionals need to be able to adapt to changing trends and consumer expectations on a global scale.

Ranking the Top Hospitality Master’s Degree Online Programs 2018

There are dozens of hospitality master’s degrees online offered in the United States. We created a ranking of the top 10 programs based on information from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration. To be included in our list, programs need to offer an online program with minimal on-campus residency requirements. Programs selected for consideration are taught by experienced faculty, offer a well-rounded curriculum, hands-on training, and provide students with mentoring or guidance while in the program. We then developed a ranking methodology that included net cost, student to faculty ratio, overall graduation rate, and accreditation with the ACPHA. The top 10 schools made our list. Where there are ties, the school with the lower average graduate tuition rate is favored.

Student to Faculty Ratio

  • 15:1 or less= 3 Points
  • 16:1 to 20:1=2 Points
  • Greater than 20:1= 1 Point

Average Graduate Tuition Rate

  • Less than $10,000 per year= 3 Points
  • $10,000 to $15,000 per year=2 Points
  • More than $15,000 per year= 1 Point

Overall Graduation Rate

  • Less than 30%= 1 Point
  • Between 30% and 50%= 2 Points
  • Greater than 50%= 3 Points

Accreditation

  • ACPHA= 2 Point

Below are the 10 schools that offer the best hospitality online master’s degree programs.
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#10 – The University of New Orleans – New Orleans, Louisiana

M.S. Executive Online Hotel & Tourism Management

School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $6,090/year in-state and $10,660/year out-of-state
Overall Graduation Rate: 32%
Points: 6
The top online master’s in Hotel and Tourism Management at The University of New Orleans is an executive format program for professionals already working in the industry. Students complete a 12 months of online curriculum delivered in eight week sessions. Ten required courses cover areas like:

  • tourism destination development
  • technology in hospitality and tourism
  • change management
  • strategic management.

Faculty are industry experts, sharing their wealth of knowledge and expertise with their students.

#9 – University of Nevada, Las Vegas – Las Vegas, Nevada

Master of Hospitality Administration (MHA) Online

School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $5,144/year in-state and $19,332/year out-of-state
Overall Graduation Rate: 42%
Points: 6
The William F. Harrah College of Hospitality at the University of Nevada features a 30 credit hour top online master’s in Hospitality Administration. With no on-campus residency requirements, the program is perfect for working adults. Classes run year round and new students are admitted in the fall, spring, or summer. Students can choose to focus in either Hospitality Management or Gaming Management.

#8 – San Diego State University – San Diego, California

Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) Online

School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 28:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,176/year in-state and $16,680/year out-of-state
Overall Graduation Rate: 74%
Points: 7
The top online master’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management at San Diego State University is a specialized program for mid-level managers with five to 15 years in the field. Students begin the program with seven days of on-campus instruction. It’s followed by 17 months of online instruction. Students come together at the conclusion of the program for a seven day capstone experience. Courses cover areas like:

  • financial management
  • technology
  • leadership
  • marketing
  • systems problem resolution.

#7 – University of Central Florida – Orlando, Florida

Hospitality and Tourism Management, M.S. Online

School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 30:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $6,916/year in-state and $25,759/year out-of-state
Overall Graduation Rate: 70%
Points: 7
The University of Central Florida offers one of the largest and fastest growing hospitality programs in the country. The top hospitality master’s online is comprised of 33 credit hours of coursework. It can be completed in 12 to 24 months. Students should have at least two years of relevant industry experience before applying to the program. Coursework covers areas in hospitality like:

  • financial analysis
  • strategic marketing
  • data analysis
  • management.

#6 – University of Louisiana, Lafayette – Lafayette, Louisiana

MBA with a concentration in Hospitality Management Online Program

School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $5,511/year in-state and $19,239/year out-of-state
Overall Graduation Rate: 44%
Points: 8
The University of Louisiana Lafayette offers the ACHPA accredited MBA with a concentration in Hospitality Management online program. It’s an innovative 15 months program preparing students to work in a variety of settings. This AACSB accredited online program is comprised of 11 courses, with concentration courses covering international business and global contemporary issues in the industry. With six start dates throughout the year, students can begin earning their degree shortly after being accepted into the program.

#5 – Monroe College – Bronx, New York

Master’s in Hospitality Management Online

School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $14,688/year
Overall Graduation Rate: 53%
Points: 9
Monroe College offers the Hospitality Management online ACHPA accredited master’s program. It’s designed for students who want to advance their career or start their own business in areas like:

  • hotel and resorts
  • convention services
  • real estate development

Faculty are current or former industry experts, who work closely with students throughout the program. This 12 month accelerated program includes a two week residency at the beginning and end of the program. This allows students to collaborate, build professional relationships, and engage in real-world situations.

#4 – Florida International University – Miami, Florida

Online Master of Science in Hospitality Management

School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 27:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $8,912/year in-state and $21,393/year out-of-state
Overall Graduation Rate: 57%
Points: 9
The Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Florida International University offers the top online master’s in hospitality management. It’s a 33 credit hour program that takes just 12 months to complete. Courses cover areas like:

  • marketing management
  • hospitality enterprise technology
  • financial management

This ACHPA accredited hospitality master’s degree program is offered entirely online.

#3 – University of North Texas – Denton, Texas

Master of Science in Hospitality Management

School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 26:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $5,450/year in-state and $12,920/year out-of-state
Overall Graduation Rate: 54%
Points: 9
The University of North Texas features an ACHPA online top master’s in hospitality management. It’s focused heavily on managerial leadership. Students have access to coursework 24/7 and all courses are offered every semester. This 36 credit hour program is taught by professors who are engaged in industry-relevant research. Students learn to:

  • solve complex problems
  • effectively communicate with diverse audiences
  • create and implement new business strategies.

#2 – Auburn University – Auburn, Alabama

Online Master of Science Hotel and Restaurant Management Option

School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,342/year in-state and $28,026/year out-of-state
Overall Graduation Rate: 77%
Points: 10
Auburn University features an ACHPA accredited online master’s in hotel and restaurant management. It’s offered through the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Hospitality Management. The 33 credit hour program is ideal for working professionals in the U.S. Instead of completing a thesis, students work through an industry relevant research project. Part-time students complete one to two courses each semester and can earn their degree in just two years.

#1 – Purdue University – West Lafayette, Indiana

Online Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management

School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,208/year in-state and $28,010/year out-of-state
Overall Graduation Rate: 78%
Points: 11
Purdue University offers the top online ACHPA accredited master’s in hospitality and tourism management. This business-focused degree is an innovative online program taught by award-winning faculty. Students gain valuable hands-on experience through experiential and project-oriented learning, including a capstone project. This 34 credit hour program requires no on-campus residency and is recommended for experienced hospitality professionals. New students are admitted three times each year.